The Changing Face Of 2022 Resolutions

As we wave goodbye to 2021 and welcome the new year with open arms, new research from LloydsPharmacy has found that Brits will be prioritising their health and wellbeing in 2022. So much so, that 54 per cent have shifted their resolution priorities entirely, due to changes experienced in recent years.

A new view on mental health
The past two years have been difficult for many, and its recent survey showed that almost half of Brits (48 per cent) are more concerned about their health than previous years, with 52 per cent worried about their mental health - including depression, stress or burn out - and 41 per cent admitting that they need a mental health boost.

In addition to mental health, nearly half (42 per cent) are worried about longer term conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and overall physical health. And, when it comes to physical health, exercising more (51 per cent), having a healthier diet (46 per cent), and getting more sleep (37 per cent) are improvements adults intend to make in coming months.

January is often a time that many look to kick a habit and of the quarter (25 per cent) of respondents who smoke, half (50 per cent) will try to stop – with the hope that changing routines (52 per cent), distracting themselves with exercise (48 per cent) or even going cold turkey (46 per cent) will allow them to kick the habit.

A new mindset on money
The survey found that health will now dictate how Brits spend their money going forward in 2022, with nearly half (43 per cent) intending to spend more on themselves this year, because they feel they’ve neglected their health and wellbeing in the past. To improve their overall health and wellbeing moving forward, they plan to spend more than double on themselves compared to previous years - including splurging on things like weekend breaks, home DIY developments and vitamins, due to feelings of restriction and wanting to make up for lost time (41 per cent).

2022 – the new year of motivation
In the past five years, Brits who have made resolutions have typically broken them within the second week of January (13th January), but this year things are looking more promising. More than a third (37 per cent) of those surveyed are motivated to make longer lasting changes this year, with (17 per cent) driven by their increased spend on themselves.

Additionally, a huge 64 per cent admit with every year that passes, they realise the value of their health more.


Behavioural Change Expert, Dr Heather McKee, said:
“Given the uncertainty we have experienced in the last few years, it fills me with excitement knowing people’s intentions are shifting more towards investing in what’s going to make them feel both physically and mentally healthier, as we move into 2022.

The research findings are very hopeful, as they reflect what we know from behavioural science to be the most effective way in supporting us to create long lasting, healthy habits. They demonstrate that we value our health now more than ever and want to protect our long-term wellbeing because of how we wish to feel in the future, and reap the rewards of the healthy living we practice now. These types of motivations are known as intrinsic motivation. Behavioural science research shows that if we pursue our habits based on these intrinsic reasons - because we wish to invest in ourselves and our wellbeing - we are more likely to be successful at making long-term changes.

I am excited to be working with LloydsPharmacy to drive home the message that 2022 really is the year of you. The brand has so many tools to help people achieve their goals this year, both instore and online whether that’s with products, advice from professional pharmacists or motivation support on the blog.”